NEW GRADUATE STUDENT ORIENTATION
New Graduate Student Orientation is scheduled for Thursday, August 15th, 2024. View details and agenda below. Newly accepted graduate students will receive a link via email to register for orientation.
New Graduate Student Orientation, hosted by The Graduate School, provides a general overview of Georgia State University and the graduate student experience to help you successfully launch your graduate career.
New Graduate Student Orientation consists of two components:
In-Person
Self-Paced
New Graduate Student Orientation is optional, but we encourage you to attend if your schedule allows. Students with mandatory college orientations that overlap with The Graduate School's event are still expected to attend their college or school's orientation.
We’re excited for you to join us at Georgia State and we hope you find this information helpful as you begin your journey through graduate education.
Orientation Resources
Parking & Directions
Georgia State Student Center East | 55 Gilmer St. SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
The in-person orientation sessions will be held in the Student Center East building on the first floor. Please visit this website for a map of the building.
Parking & Directions
Parking: Discounted parking is available for $10.00 at the M & G Decks.
M Deck is located right across the street from the Student Center at 33 Auditorium Place SE, Atlanta, GA 30303.
- M Deck - Campus Map | Waze Directions | Google Maps | Walking Directions from M Deck to Student Center
G Deck is located behind the Student Center at 52 Central Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303.
- G Deck - Campus Map | Waze Directions | Google Maps | Walking Directions from G Deck to Student Center
- After you park, exit the G Deck by way of the Collins Street entrance (across from the Sports Arena). Cross Decatur Street walk under the Courtland St. Bridge, pass the Cinefest and Chick-Fil-A on the right and you will see the student center walkway on the right.
Self-Paced Orientation Modules
The self-paced online orientation highlights different resources available on the Georgia State campus to help you make the most of your time here. Completion of the orientation modules is optional but highly encouraged.
Agenda
New Graduate Student Orientation
Thursday, August 15, 2024
Georgia State Student Center East | 55 Gilmer St. SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
This event is in-person and does not offer a remote option.
To request accommodations for this event, please contact the Access and Accommodations Center, 404-413-1560: [email protected]
9:00–9:05 a.m. | Welcome to Georgia State University
Opening Remarks and welcome from Lisa Armistead, Ph.D., Dean of the Graduate School
Location: State Ballroom
9:05–9:45 a.m. | Resources and Support from The Graduate School
Learn about The Graduate School's various programs and initiatives designed to support graduate students throughout their time at Georgia State.
Location: State Ballroom
9:45–10:30 a.m. | Support from Day One to Graduation: An Introduction to the University Library
Learn about the University Library and the many resources they have available to graduate students, including an array of professionals to assist you in finding and collecting existing published research to ground and guide your own scholarship, and more!
Location: State Ballroom
BREAK (15 MINS)
10:45 –11:45 a.m. | Grad Life at Georgia State Panel Discussion (Masters, GCERT)
In this session, new graduate students have an opportunity to learn more about being a graduate student at Georgia State. We’ve learned that new students want to hear from current students. A panel of current graduate students will highlight strategies you can use to thrive at Georgia State.
Location: State Ballroom
10:45 –11:45 a.m. | Grad Life at Georgia State Panel Discussion (Doctoral)
In this session, new graduate students have an opportunity to learn more about being a graduate student at Georgia State. We’ve learned that new students want to hear from current students. A panel of current graduate students will highlight strategies you can use to thrive at Georgia State.
Location: Speaker’s Auditorium
TRANSITION TO LUNCH (5 MINS)
11:50 – 1:00 p.m. | Let's Connect Lunch
Students can enjoy lunch while engaging in themed table discussions. This session offers a relaxed environment for students to engage with peers, share insights, explore common interests and expand your professional network within the graduate community
Location: State Ballroom
TRANSITION TO NEXT SESSION OR RESOURCE FAIR (10 MINS)
1:00 – 1:50 p.m. | Support for International Students
This session provides support for international students, covering essential topics such as International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) assistance, guidance on visa procedures and obtaining Social Security Numbers (SSN). Participants will gain valuable insights and practical tips to navigate various challenges and ensure a smooth transition to life in a new country.
Location: Speaker’s Auditorium
TRANSITION TO NEXT SESSION OR RESOURCE FAIR (10 MINS)
2:00 – 2:45 p.m. | Navigating Academia as a First-Generation Graduate Student
This session covers hidden expectations, specifically related to the three pillars of academia—scholarship, teaching, and service. Through discussion, attendees will leave with a working knowledge of how to navigate academic processes and succeed as scholars. This discussion is open first-generation graduate students and any other individuals who feel they could benefit from the content.
Location: State Ballroom
1:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Resource Fair
Dahlberg Hall | 30 Courtland St NE, Atlanta
(Located across the Street in Veteran's Memorial Hall)
Dahlberg Hall is located across the street from the Student Center. From the Student Center, walk to the intersection of Gilmer and Courtland. Cross the street and the entrance to the hall will be on your right.
Contact Us
We are here to help. Contact The Graduate School Admissions office for information on the enrollment process. Program-specific inquiries should be directed to your college, school or institute of interest.